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Cultural Exchange Through Vertical Streets and Community Connectivity

Authors:
Ziyu Chen, Yun yi Cai
Cultural Exchange Through Vertical Streets and Community Connectivity

Project in-detail

The integration of vertical streets and a sinuous park fosters community connectivity in a dual-tower complex designed to accommodate both residential and commercial functions in Yiwu City.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dual towers designed to enhance vertical circulation and community interaction.
02
Sinuous park connects residential and production areas, promoting social engagement.
03
Focus on mixed-use functionality, accommodating both living and working spaces.
04
Integration of cultural exchange elements, addressing the needs of diverse communities.
05
Strategic location in Yiwu City, enhancing accessibility for laborers and migrants.

INTERSECTION is located in Yiwu City, Zhejiang Province, China. The design responds to the challenges of commercialization in a region known for producing low-cost commodities. By aiming to reshape the urban identity of Yiwu, the project focuses on enhancing connections among various communities. It specifically addresses the needs of laborers and foreign migrants who often experience a transient lifestyle. The design integrates commercial, residential, live-work, and civic spaces to create a more inclusive and engaging urban environment.

Dual-Tower Configuration

The design features a dual-tower layout that serves multiple purposes within a unified structure. This configuration blends residential and commercial uses to meet the diverse needs of people living and working in Yiwu. By creating a live-work environment, the design encourages residents to easily balance their personal and professional lives.



Vertical Streets and Connectivity

Vertical streets are a key feature of INTERSECTION, promoting continuous movement and enhancing connectivity within the towers. These passages facilitate interaction among residents and users, allowing for spontaneous encounters. The design reflects the established street patterns in Yiwu, reinforcing the local character while emphasizing communal spaces that support social integration.



Sinuous Park

A sinuous park runs through the residential block, linking the main building to the production tower at the northeast corner. This green space provides recreational opportunities and improves accessibility. It encourages social interactions among people from different backgrounds, embodying the project's focus on community vitality.



Cultural Dynamics and Urban Response

Unique aspects of INTERSECTION arise from its thoughtful integration of urban functions and response to the cultural dynamics in Yiwu. The design prioritizes the needs of the city’s inhabitants, creating spaces that foster cultural exchange and social connections. This approach effectively addresses the complexities of urban life in a commercial context, establishing a design that resonates with the local community.

The landscaped areas surrounding the towers incorporate natural elements that improve the urban experience. These features make good use of available space while promoting well-being among residents. Green roofs and terraces provide a connection to nature, adding both beauty and environmental benefits.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

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competition now

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